Travellers coming into the North from Spain and its islands must undergo a 14-day quarantine after the United Kingdom removed Spain from its list of safe countries to travel to.
The move will mean that those travelling back to Northern Ireland from Spain cannot leave their homes or cross the border into Donegal.
Spain is not on the Republic’s green list as a ‘safe country’ and those who travel there must also quarantine upon their return.
The move, which came into force at midnight, comes after fears were raised that Spain was experiencing a second wave of coronavirus infections.
The decision means those coming back from the popular holiday destination will have to self-isolate for two weeks upon their return to the UK.
The move brings the rules in Northern Ireland in relation to people returning from Spain into line with those in the Republic.
Northern Ireland Minister for Health Robin Swann said the decision to remove Spain from the exempt list was not taken lightly and was prompted by the recent upsurge in cases.
“As of midnight, anyone returning or visiting Northern Ireland from Spain, including its islands will be required to quarantine for 14 days.”
It has been confirmed that the British transport secretary Grant Shapps – whose department announced the rule change – flew to Spain on Saturday morning to start his summer holiday, meaning he will have to quarantine for a fortnight if the travel corridor remains suspended by the end of his trip.
